Over 50 people from Haryana were arrested in Arunachal Pradesh for cheating in a recruitment examination conducted by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). They were caught using electronic devices to cheat in the exam for the recruitment of lab assistants and junior secretariat assistants.
The syndicate, allegedly coordinated by a Haryana-based network, targeted exam centres in remote locations like Itanagar and Dimapur, deliberately chosen to exploit perceived security lapses, confirmed the Itanagar police. The gang manipulated exam centre assignments to divert candidates to distant locations, reducing the risk of detection. After admit cards were issued, candidates were supplied with GSM-based devices and trained in their discreet use.
The police did a commendable job busting the racket. Interstate joint investigations will go a long way in uncovering the full extent of the cheating operation. With increasingly innovative methods of cheating using electronics, the police must also enhance their electronic surveillance capabilities.
Cheating is a punishable offence; however, this has not stopped candidates from using unfair means in competitive exams, including state civil services. Given the limited government job opportunities and intense competition, candidates resort to all possible tactics to secure these coveted positions. Unfortunately, not everyone attains these jobs through honesty, hard work, and talent.
To ensure fairness, exams must be made foolproof and free from interference and cheating, whether through electronic devices or other means.